Sandra "Fernie" Van Gilder

Sandra “Fernie” L. Van Gilder, age 78, of Hiram, GA, passed away on Thursday, April 12, 2018. She was born on February 11, 1940, in Valdosta, GA, to the late Joseph E. & Charlotte F. Sanders, and was preceded in death by her brother, Edward Eugene Sanders. Mrs. Van Gilder worked as a Certified Medical Assistant for Cobb Neurology and was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. She was the best mother and wife ever, had a wonderful sense of humor and was a caretaker. Fernie loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and always loved seeing the lost saved. Christmas was always her favorite holiday to spend with family and loved ones.

Survivors include husband, Richard Van Gilder of Hiram, GA; son, Richard “Pete” & Dawn Van Gilder, II of Hiram, GA; daughter, Rebekah & James Downing of Hiram, GA; brothers, Carroll Sanders of Valdosta, GA, and Bobby & Jo Sanders of Valdosta, GA; sister, Dorothy Pittman of Lake Park, GA; Holly Worrell, whom she had a special bond; grandchildren, Richard & Heather Van Gilder III, Jacob Van Gilder, Alexis & Brett Phelps, Sydney Ray; great-grandchildren, Lily Van Gilder, Alicia Van Gilder, and Zoey Van Gilder; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 2 PM from Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Pastor Ian Bowers, Mr. Butch Wilson and Mr. Sam Posey officiating. The body will lie in state at the church from 1 PM until the service time. Interment will be held on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 11:30 AM, from Georgia National Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, April 13, 2018, from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Grace Senior Living at 8847 Hospital Drive, Douglasville, GA 30134 or to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church at 1167 Angham Road, Dallas, GA 30132 in memory of Mrs. Van Gilder.

The family would like to thank the staff at Grace Senior Living in Douglasville, GA, for the care that was provided to Mrs. Van Gilder.

Clark Funeral Home in Hiram, GA, is in charge of arrangements.